Ministry of Unification: "Consistently Pursuing Humanitarian Cooperation Regardless of Political and Military Situations"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The Ministry of Unification has announced that it will consistently pursue humanitarian cooperation regardless of political or military situations. Considering upcoming political schedules such as the establishment day of the North Korean regime (September 9), it also expressed its intention to closely monitor related developments.

On the 7th, the Ministry of Unification outlined the future direction of inter-Korean relations in a report to the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, including these points.

The Ministry stated that it will consistently send messages opposing any escalation of tensions and calling for the prompt resumption of dialogue, while preparing for all situations through cooperation with the United States and continuously seeking engagement measures with North Korea.

Additionally, it plans to normalize inter-Korean communication lines and establish a dialogue system between the two Koreas to enable talks anytime and anywhere. It will prioritize comprehensive humanitarian cooperation including ▲COVID-19 prevention and healthcare ▲climate change and disaster management ▲livelihood cooperation such as food security ▲and separated families (video) reunions. Support for the resumption of humanitarian and exchange cooperation at the civilian and local government levels will also be carried out concurrently.

Furthermore, the Ministry intends to expand domestic and international consensus on peace and unification policies and create conditions for the internationalization of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) as a peace zone.

Regarding recent North Korean developments, it assessed that North Korea is focusing on crisis response and economic and livelihood improvements amid COVID-19, sanctions, and natural disasters, stating, "Under emergency quarantine maintenance, quarantine facilities are being constructed in the North Korea-China border area to expand the inflow of goods, and we are monitoring the timing of the resumption of railway operations."

Regarding the joint South Korea-U.S. military exercises, despite warnings of military tensions from Kim Yo-jong, Deputy Director, and Kim Yong-chol, Head of the United Front Department, it analyzed that North Korea is currently exploring strategies toward South Korea and the U.S. without additional developments. It added, "Considering major political schedules such as the establishment day of the North Korean regime (September 9) and the founding day of the Party (October 10), we will not make premature judgments and will continue to closely monitor related situations."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.